Event Calendar

Distinguishing Between Poverty Experienced by Families and Child Neglect

Christine Cross, EdD
Christine is currently a middle school science teacher. She worked at the NASA Glen Research Center as a Senior Project Coordinator, she was previously a Senior Training Officer for the Division of Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services for 23 years. She
was a foster and adoptive parent. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies, specializing in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in Education Curriculum and Instruction and a Doctor degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Christine completed the OCWTP Training of Trainers for the culture and diversity curriculum. She has taught many topics on culture, diversity, ethics, stress, safety, and other classes on casework issues in child welfare for public and private agencies.
It is important CASA volunteers understand poverty and neglect do not always go hand in hand. In this class, you will learn to not only distinguish between the two but also understand why poor children are more likely to come to the attention of the child protection system. You will learn how structural racism factors in the disproportion of children of color in foster homes; how poverty can be a risk factor of neglect but not a prerequisite; and how bias and stereotypes can impact a caregiver’s ability to work with a child and their family experiencing poverty. Most importantly, you will learn strategies that will help you work collaboratively with families from a socioeconomic status that differs from your own.